Accents
Physical threats, disinformation, censorship. Six modern challenges for the media
Belarusian independent journalism has been in a troubled zone in recent years. Despite the difficulties, media professionals feel that things have become more stable, even with the profession’s repression and criminalization. During the roundtable discussion arranged by BAJ and the Mixer journalist organization (Poland), evaluations were made.
“Everything his camera captured turned into a masterpiece.” Renowned photographer Anatol Kliashchuk passes away
Anatol Kliashchuk was a well-known photographer for the Zviazda newspaper who took striking pictures. His nature photography is poetic and deeply moving. Kliashchuk worked as a photojournalist, photographer, and artist. Though he passed away recently, his memory lives on through his numerous films, videos, and books.
An IFEX Q&A with the Belarusian Association of Journalists: Defending press freedom is a marathon, not a sprint
As the country marks the third anniversary of manipulated elections that kept “Europe’s last dictator” in power – and the launch of a brutal crackdown – we spoke with BAJ about their ongoing global Solidarity Marathon on behalf of imprisoned journalists.
“If one of us is imprisoned, the other one takes the child and leaves the country.” The key from the report of human rights activists on the psychological state of political emigrants
The psychological problems of Belarusian political emigrants, including journalists, have become the center of attention of human rights activists. Many are still going through traumatic experiences, struggling with depression, separation from loved ones.
"For them, the events in our region are a conflict between Russia and satellite countries." Belarusian journalist talks about visiting South Korea
Two years ago, journalist and documentarian Mikhail Arshynski received an award for a film about the 2020 political campaign at the Hinzpeter Awards Documentary Film Festival in South Korea. And now he has been invited back to the country that until recently was a brutal autocracy and very much resembled modern Belarus. Our colleague shared with BAJ his impressions of Asian democracy, his vision of the situation in our region, and the role of the media.
“I stay so that those who have been imprisoned or forced to leave have a place to return to”. Motivations of journalists who choose to stay in Belarus
On the eve of World Press Freedom Day, we interviewed colleagues and friends who remain in Belarus. They talked about their hopes and dreams, explained how they take care of themselves, and what helps them not to get demoralized and keep working. Names have been changed for safety reasons.
"We stand by the truth, we stand together!" A marathon of solidarity with the imprisoned journalists started in Vilnius
Thirty-three names, thirty-three journalists behind bars, thirty-three portraits in the center of Vilnius... This number is particularly dramatic today, on World Press Freedom Day. In order to draw attention to the situation of the media in Belarus, Belarusian and Lithuanian journalists held a solidarity rally. This is the first action within the whole solidarity marathon, which is to be held in many countries of the world.
The most dangerous country in Europe for journalists
There are at least 33 journalists currently locked up inside Belarusian prisons. Reporters without Borders describes Belarus as Europe's most dangerous country for journalists, writes Steve Cannane is the ABC's Europe bureau chief in London.
“I see contradictory attitudes towards Belarusians.” Hot topics at Kyiv press conference
The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) organized a round-table discussion in Kyiv about repressions and the situation with the independent media in Belarus. But the debate among the participants continued on other important issues, mainly the representation of Belarus and Belarusians in the Ukrainian media and why it is beneficial for Belarusians and Ukrainians to support each other despite the factors that drive them apart.
What’s really behind “bundling of regional editorial offices” announced by Ministry of Information?
This week, the Ministry of Information stated the need for bundling regional newspapers. It is justified by the “difficulty to attract expensive specialists” to the provinces. However, it looks like another stage of degradation of the state print press and an attempt to save funds, most of which are now directed to the TV propaganda apparatus. The Belarusian Association of Journalists investigated the issue.